Bringing a New Cat Home: First-Week Care Guide

The first week at home is about safety, not forcing affection. New smells, sounds, and people can make a cat hide or stay alert, and that is normal.

Start Small

Prepare one quiet room or corner with a hiding spot, food, water, and a litter box placed away from the bowls. Let your cat settle in this smaller territory before opening the rest of the home.

Keep Food and Litter Familiar

Use the food and litter your cat already knows at first. Sudden changes during a stressful move can cause stomach upset or litter-box avoidance. After one to two stable weeks, change food or litter gradually.

Build Trust

Move slowly, speak softly, and let the cat approach first. Use treats or a wand toy instead of grabbing or forcing contact. Watch appetite, litter-box use, energy, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea; contact a veterinarian if your cat does not eat or seems very unwell.